The Nigeria for Peace Project (N4P), a civil society group, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for maintaining neutrality in all the election cases in the Supreme Court, especially those involving states won by opposition parties.
The group, in an Open Letter to President Tinubu on Wednesday, said he demonstrated nationalism, patriotism, and democratic culture by ensuring the independence of the judiciary.
The letter was signed by the Convener and Co-Convener of N4P, Amb. Ibrahim Waiya and Chief Mulade Sheriff, and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
”The president’s action has proved that he is a true democrat, patriotic and selfless leader and also a leader who believes in the national interest above partisan and selfish interest,” they said.
According to the group, there were many election appeal cases before the Supreme Court, which originated from Election Tribunals and went to Appeal Courts, mostly challenging the judgments against some governors, who were declared winners by INEC, especially in some opposition states.
“The cases created tension and fear capable of igniting crises if justice were not served.
“Indeed, we commend your resilience for supporting all efforts aimed at upholding democratic best practices which emphasise the recognition of the people’s mandate.
“We equally acknowledge the steadfastness of our respected Justices at the Supreme court for demonstrating patriotism, and for not allowing themselves to be used to suppress the will and mandate of the Nigerian citizens.
“This singular effort has helped to restore the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, avert potential political conflicts and chaos in the affected states, and across the country, as well proved that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and indeed the temple of justice,” they said.
The N4P said the election petition judgments of Jan. 12, would be celebrated in the history of Nigerian democracy.
They added that the judgments also redeemed the image of the Nigerian judiciary, and saved Nigeria’s democracy from collapse at a time when Nigerians have almost lost confidence in the system.
They expressed belief that the judgments of the apex court in all the election petition cases had asserted its supremacy in the land, with highly learned men and women ready to make sacrifices to save Nigeria.
While congratulating the governors for their victory, the group implored them to collaborate with the Federal Government and support in the efforts to revamp the nation’s economy and critically address the security challenges confronting the Nation, poverty.
They also urged them to focus more on developmental projects that will impact positively on the lives of the people in their respective states.
According to them, it is imperative to suggest to the governors to run an all-inclusive government, by extending a hand of fellowship to the opposition where necessary.
“We equally wish to recognize the commitment of the security agencies and other stakeholders for their show of patriotism, and for meticulously discharging their duties during the turbulent period of anxiety and frustration in the country,” they added.
N4P is an intervention project conceived and birthed by patriotic like-minds civil society organizations, patriotic individuals and peace building practitioners across Nigeria, who strongly believe in the oneness, unity, peace and security of the Nigerian State at all cost.
